Microsoft Is Shifting Focus Away From Studio Acquisitions

Microsoft’s string of studio acquisitions has certainly bolstered their first party lineup, and the reformed Xbox Game Studios portfolio is looking mighty impressive, especially as we approach the launch of Xbox Scarlett next year. But while major acquisitions by Microsoft – including the likes of Double Fine, Obsidian Entertainment, Ninja Theory, and more – have been interesting to see, it seems the company will be focusing on new acquisitions less as we move forward.

Speaking in a media briefing (via VGC), head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty said that internal focus at Microsoft is shifting away from more new acquisitions, with the company now focusing on ensuring that their first party portfolio delivers solid new content.

“Recently we’ve been shifting our focus inside Xbox Game Studios from acquisition and growth, to a phase of execution and delivery,” he said.

“Recently we got all 15 of our studio heads together in New York City,” Booty continued. “They came together in a meeting and it was a really humbling and inspiring experience for me, to be with these 15 creative leaders that represent over 300 years of experience with game design and production.

“From Brian Fargo at InXile, to Bonnie Ross who runs Halo, to Tim Schafer at Double Fine, to Helen Chang who runs Minecraft… seeing these leaders come together to share ideas and expertise really gives me confidence going forward in what we’re doing.”

There’s certainly plenty of new stuff coming from Microsoft in the coming years. Ninja Theory’s Bleeding Edge is out in March 2020, while both Obsidian and Rare recently announced brand new IPs. Meanwhile, 343 Industries are working on Halo Infinite, The Coalition are focusing on Gears, and Playground Games are hard at work on what’s all but confirmed to be Fable 4. One way or another, the next few years are certainly going to be very interesting for Xbox Game Studios.